Mandate

The purpose of the evaluation function is to promote learning and evidence-informed Norwegian development cooperation, and to ensure accountability among the actors involved in Norwegian development policy.

The task is governed by the Instructions for the evaluation function in Norwegian development cooperation. The instructions are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Climate and Environment, and are valid from 1 January 2025.

The evaluation function is guided by the evaluation principles set out in the Regulations on Financial Management in Central Government (reglement for økonomistyring i staten) and in the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC).

Scope

The instructions grant the Independent Evaluation Department of Norwegian Development Cooperation (EVAL) the authority to evaluate any activity financed through the Norwegian development assistance budget. The department independently determines the subject, scope, questions, and methodology of its evaluations.

This applies regardless of which entity manages the assistance, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Climate and Environment, foreign service missions, subordinate agencies, or civil society organisations.